News & Insights

This website is not supported by your browser

Commercial Commercial Litigation Commercial Litigation Insurance Insurance Litigation Private Private Client Advisory Property Property Wills Wills, Estates and Estate Planning

Commercial • April 11, 2025

New Psychosocial Regulations in Victoria

Litigation • May 17, 2023

Bad advice - compensation for negligence

Wills • November 18, 2024

Changes to Victorian Probate Office Fees

Private • October 16, 2024

Right to Disconnect

Commercial

New Psychosocial Regulations in Victoria

April 11, 2025
The Victorian Government has introduced new Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations, set to take effect from 1December 2025. These changes aim to strengthen workplace protections against psychosocial hazards, such as bullying, harassment, aggression, and exposure to traumatic events.
Fairwork Fixed Term Employment Contract Changes as at 6 December 2023

April 10, 2024
On 6 December 2023, significant changes to the Fair Work Fixed Term Employment Contract apply when engaging employees on fixed term contracts
DIY business contracts - what could go wrong?

August 4, 2023
A well-drafted business contract puts the parties on the same page from the beginning of their business relationship by providing clear terms that balance everyone's rights and responsibilities. So, what could go wrong if you do it yourself?
Business names & Trademarks: the difference

January 31, 2023
If you have finally decided on a business name and are wondering how to protect the name, brand and ensure that you retain exclusive rights of the name, you should read this article.
Key considerations when selling your business

November 15, 2022
If you’ve made the decision to sell your business and want the sale proceeds to provide you with a comfortable lifestyle, then be prepared to have patience and plan carefully! This article discusses key considerations you should understand before selling your business.
Exclusion clauses in commercial contracts – how far can they go?

November 15, 2022
While freedom of contract generally means that exclusion clauses may be valid, there are rules that apply, developed in consideration of public policy. Care ought to be taken when drafting such terms to ensure that any term can operate as desired.
Drag along/tag along rights in shareholder agreements

October 6, 2022
Drag along/tag along provisions can be found in shareholder agreements. They are aimed at balancing rights between majority and minority shareholders, and are less likely to be challenged if carefully drafted by an experienced lawyer.
'Click here' - electronic execution of documents

August 30, 2022
Recent changes to the Corporations Act to permanently adopt COVID-19 measures sees the law embrace electronic execution technology and validates current market practice.
Commercial law: Traps for so called ‘Sophisticated Investors’

June 30, 2022
The Australian Securities and Investment Commission has taken a firm stance against those who manipulate ‘sophisticated investor’ exemptions for retail investors interested in acquiring securities in a corporate body.
Why you need a Partnership Agreement

May 26, 2022
It is vital for business partners to understand their obligations to the business and each other and a Partnership Agreement will help business partners achieve this. An essential tool, they can help save time, money, stress and reduce risks.
Commercial law: Essential considerations when starting a business

April 14, 2022
Starting a business can be exciting, but also overwhelming and challenging if you have not properly prepared for your new venture! This article provides a quick guide to essential considerations you should be aware of before starting your business.
Directors' responsibilities - a guide

March 10, 2022
As company directors hold a position of power and trust they have a responsibility to the company and its shareholders and should be familiar with their legal obligations, duties and the affairs and operations of the company. Here, we outline these responsibilities.
If a company is insolvent what are the options?

February 3, 2022
There are significant penalties for allowing your company to trade whilst insolvent. If your company is in financial difficulty and heading towards insolvency you should seek immediate legal or financial advice on your options.
Options to renew in commercial leases - don't get caught out!

November 25, 2021
Understanding your rights and responsibilities when exercising an option to renew your commercial lease is critical. You need to ensure you comply with formalities when exercising your option, otherwise you may end up forfeiting your right to exercise the option.
How to set up a company in Australia

October 18, 2021
Forming a company is a popular choice for operating a business - this article will assist you in understanding the process involved in registering a proprietary limited company and the obligations that arise as an officer of that company.
Important Deadlines for Commercial Tenants Seeking Rent Relief

September 9, 2021
In Victoria, the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme Regulations (the Regulations) were brought into effect in August 2021, in the wake of the further lockdowns due to COVID-19. The scheme will run from 28 July 2021 until 15 January 2022.
Business law: A Franchise Agreement explained

August 24, 2021
If you are thinking about becoming a franchisee, or conversely, thinking that your business model may be suitable to franchise, it is important that you understand the full extent of what is involved.
Choosing a Structure for Your Business

April 6, 2021
The choice of business structure is an important decision to make at the start of a business venture, as the structure can impact on tax implications and reporting requirements during the lifetime of the business.
Employee or contractor - do you know the difference?

February 22, 2021
It's important to determine whether workers should be classified as employees or independent contractors as tax, super and other obligations are different, depending on whether the working arrangement is employment or contracting.
Contractual obligations in the wake of COVID

October 6, 2020
COVID-19 presents many challenges for individuals and businesses, among them, understanding their legal rights and responsibilities under existing contracts which may contain obligations that are now difficult to fulfill.
Shareholder agreements - why your company needs one

July 28, 2020
A shareholder agreement sets out the rights and obligations of each business owner and the processes for resolving disputes and deadlocks. The Grill'd case shows the potential pitfalls of not having a shareholder agreement in place.
Unfair contracts - are you complying with the law?

April 14, 2020
The Unfair Contract Terms Regime has been extended to cover standard form contracts entered into with ‘small business’, this is in addition to the extensive compliance and regulatory obligations under existing laws.
Important updates for business - COVID-19

April 14, 2020
The Federal Government's response to the economic threats posed by COVID-19 include measures to alleviate some of the financial hardship faced by many businesses and provide safeguards to help them survive after the crisis.
If a company is insolvent what are the options?

March 3, 2020
There are significant penalties for allowing your company to trade whilst insolvent. If your company is in financial difficulty and heading towards insolvency you should seek immediate legal or financial advice on your options.

Sinisgalli Foster Melbourne Law Firm

Commercial

New Psychosocial Regulations in Victoria

April 11, 2025

Fairwork Fixed Term Employment Contract Changes as at 6 December 2023

April 10, 2024

DIY business contracts - what could go wrong?

August 4, 2023

Business names & Trademarks: the difference

January 31, 2023

Key considerations when selling your business

November 15, 2022

Exclusion clauses in commercial contracts – how far can they go?

November 15, 2022

Drag along/tag along rights in shareholder agreements

October 6, 2022

'Click here' - electronic execution of documents

August 30, 2022

Commercial law: Traps for so called ‘Sophisticated Investors’

June 30, 2022

Why you need a Partnership Agreement

May 26, 2022

Commercial law: Essential considerations when starting a business

April 14, 2022

Directors' responsibilities - a guide

March 10, 2022

If a company is insolvent what are the options?

February 3, 2022

Options to renew in commercial leases - don't get caught out!

November 25, 2021

How to set up a company in Australia

October 18, 2021

Important Deadlines for Commercial Tenants Seeking Rent Relief

September 9, 2021

Business law: A Franchise Agreement explained

August 24, 2021

Choosing a Structure for Your Business

April 6, 2021

Employee or contractor - do you know the difference?

February 22, 2021

Contractual obligations in the wake of COVID

October 6, 2020

Shareholder agreements - why your company needs one

July 28, 2020

Unfair contracts - are you complying with the law?

April 14, 2020

Important updates for business - COVID-19

April 14, 2020

If a company is insolvent what are the options?

March 3, 2020

Commercial Litigation

Bad advice - compensation for negligence

May 17, 2023

Preparing and presenting a case in the Small Claims Division

March 10, 2023

Managing commercial disputes – key steps & processes

June 30, 2022

Time limits for commencing proceedings

October 18, 2021

When is a loan repayable on demand?

July 21, 2021

Alternatives to Bankruptcy

May 13, 2021

Risks in referring to unattached documents in an agreement

January 20, 2021

Claiming compensation from a financial services business

January 20, 2021

Starting legal action - a step by step guide to the litigation process

July 28, 2020

How to keep your legal costs down - our top tips

June 25, 2020

Leave to proceed against liquidated companies

June 25, 2020

Mediation in a commercial dispute - benefits

March 3, 2020

Personal liability for company directors

January 28, 2020

Debt collection: the power of a Statutory Demand

January 28, 2020